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This online gardening community is different, political, and organic. I decided to start these forums so gardeners would have a free place to discuss heirloom gardening, gene-altered food, seed saving, natural politics and products. We are dedicated to saving our food and horticultural heritage, and hope you enjoy this forum for the free-thinking gardener!
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im not a big fan of CSAs myself. If they work for you as a consumer or farmer, more power to you... but I dont think it is a model that will ever offer true alternatives for most of us...

Probably not with the current price and convenience before quality mind set most Americans have these days (which is killing them, but that is another topic) and since most Americans cannot fathom an economic system that is not based on the almighty dollar it is true that most do not get the CSA model at all which has been made evident by all the risk free CSA's that do not have any farm associated with them, usually offer less than 25% locally produced food (preferring offer organic over local as Organic is so much easier to source and most people think organic and local are one in the same) but do deliver a weekly box of food to their "members"

The few CSA in the USA that have a truly engaged membership really do offer an alternative model as they can and do offer just about everything their members need to eat including grains, meat, eggs and dairy and many even have bakeries so the things like grains are processed into breads, crackers, cereal, etc..

The CSA I joined when I had to choose between being in the garden or with my parents full time is an alternative model. The orginal owner co-opted with other local farmers and watermen and offers several packages - all produce, meat and produce, meat seafood....you get the idea. He also emails members weekly with extras that can be added, so I can pick and choose things to add to my order that would not normally be included. He also has several trailers now that have deep freezers and ramps and delivers to CSA member at established locations and farmers markets. When I get my package from him, I know where my food is coming from. My share is mostly meat, butter, eggs, goat cheeses - because we still grow produce for ourselves. Robert emails me each week to let me know what produce will be left after he fills the CSA shares- and with specials. (He even throws in bison bones for the dogs, as a thank you).
Since he is partnered with farmers and waterman in a sixty mile radius, smaller farmers have an outlet they wouldn't have as a contributing member to the CSA - and the customers have a broader range of products. Plans are ongoing for a coop store front- I hope that does not pull from the CSA selection. Even if it does....I will drive the 45 minutes to the proposed site to get my scapple and sausage fix!

The average American isn't foresighted; they focus on how much money than can 'save' on food by buying from Walmart instead of focusing on what their money actually creates and whether or not that will help them in the future.

I can guarantee you that every corporate farm in this country will sell their products to the highest bidder without one single thought about local loyalty, i.e., any country that bids the highest is the winner!

Supporting "Your" small, local farmer and building a relationship is the best food security investment you can make.

The average American isn't foresighted; they focus on how much money than can 'save' on food by buying from Walmart instead of focusing on what their money actually creates and whether or not that will help them in the future.

I can guarantee you that every corporate farm in this country will sell their products to the highest bidder without one single thought about local loyalty, i.e., any country that bids the highest is the winner!

Supporting "Your" small, local farmer and building a relationship is the best food security investment you can make.

Many are just trying to get by and can't have the feel good mindset. It be great if everyone could buy local and organic but thats not the reality for many people.

__________________
He who cultivates his land will have plenty of food,
but from idle pursuits a man has his fill of poverty
Proverbs 28:19

The CSA I joined when I had to choose between being in the garden or with my parents full time is an alternative model. The orginal owner co-opted with other local farmers and watermen and offers several packages - all produce, meat and produce, meat seafood....you get the idea. He also emails members weekly with extras that can be added, so I can pick and choose things to add to my order that would not normally be included. He also has several trailers now that have deep freezers and ramps and delivers to CSA member at established locations and farmers markets. When I get my package from him, I know where my food is coming from. My share is mostly meat, butter, eggs, goat cheeses - because we still grow produce for ourselves. Robert emails me each week to let me know what produce will be left after he fills the CSA shares- and with specials. (He even throws in bison bones for the dogs, as a thank you).
Since he is partnered with farmers and waterman in a sixty mile radius, smaller farmers have an outlet they wouldn't have as a contributing member to the CSA - and the customers have a broader range of products. Plans are ongoing for a coop store front- I hope that does not pull from the CSA selection. Even if it does....I will drive the 45 minutes to the proposed site to get my scapple and sausage fix!

that's a wonderful setup chick! i like the idea of several farmers coming togeher. it gives the customer more to choose from.